Enhanced Tuition Awards

At Wells, a quality, private liberal arts education is not just what we say -- it's what we do. We are dedicated to making college more affordable. For New York State students, Wells College already gives over $10 million in scholarships and aid, and merit awards can total up to $100,000 per student. Below, we have provided information about the newly revealed New York State Enhanced Tuition Awards, the private institution counterpart to the Excelsior Scholarship for public colleges and universities.

We are committed to providing you with the most recent and complete information possible. Everything on this page reflects what has been made public by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). To receive updates regarding the Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA), such as when applications are open, sign up for the email alert from HESC.

An Enhanced Tuition Awards recipient can receive up to $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award and a match from their private college. For example, a student who receives a $1,000 TAP award would receive an additional $5,000 – half of which would be paid by the ETA and half by his or her college. Wells College will match the amount awarded by the ETA Program.

For the 2017-18 academic year, your household adjusted gross income can total up to $100,000 to be eligible. For 2018-19, that amount increases to $110,000, and beginning in 2019-20 and beyond, your family's adjusted gross income can total up to $125,000.

You are eligible to be awarded for up to two years for students pursuing an associate's degree and up to four years for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Students in an undergraduate program of study normally requiring five years are eligible to receive the award for five years.

A student who transferred between colleges is eligible for an Enhanced Tuition Award provided that they are on track to complete on time based on the number of credits accepted by their current college.

You can lose the scholarship if you do not continue to meet all eligibility requirements. For example, you must enroll in at least 12 credits per term and complete 30 credits per year to continue to receive the scholarship.

Yes. You must live in New York State for the number of years equal to awards you received. For example, if you received four Enhanced Tuition Awards while getting your bachelor's degree, you must live in New York State for four years after college. In addition, if you are working during those years, you must work in New York State. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the conversion of your award to a loan.